🏡 Natural, Safe & Works FAST: Best Bug Repellents +Say Goodbye to Energy Slumps!

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Natural Bug Repellents for a Pest-Free Homestead 🔴

4. Personal Development: Feeling Drained? 10 Practical Ways to Reclaim Your Energy 🔋

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Is Your Home Truly Clean… or Just Covered in Chemicals?

I used to think a clean home smelled like lemon-scented disinfectant… until my daughter had a reaction to a cleaner I used on the kitchen counters. That was my wake-up call.

This April, we’re ditching the toxic junk and learning how to clean our homes safely.

Inside the Spring Cleaning Challenge, you’ll discover:

• Simple, non-toxic cleaners using what you already have in your kitchen

• The hidden dangers in store-bought products (and what to use instead)

• A no-stress cleaning plan that actually works without the chemicals

You don’t have to do it alone!

• Step-by-step guides

• A supportive community

• Lifetime access

• Mini-challenges & workshops

And if you missed January, February, or March’s challenges? No worries! They’re always available inside the portal.

Ready to clean your home without compromising your health?

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

What’s your top homesteading priority this April?

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Expanding the garden

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Raising new livestock

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Improving soil health

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Building new homestead structures

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I’m just getting started with homesteading

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Natural Bug Repellents for a Pest-Free Homestead 🔴

Spring is here, and with warmer weather comes an unwelcome guest… bugs. Mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other pests can quickly turn a peaceful homestead into an itchy, frustrating battleground. Instead of relying on chemical sprays, you can grow natural bug-repelling plants that keep pests away while making your garden beautiful and useful.

Here are some of the best plants to keep pests in check:

1. Basil – Say Goodbye to Mosquitoes and Flies

Basil is more than just a kitchen staple, it’s a natural bug repellent. The strong scent keeps mosquitoes and flies at bay. Plant it near doorways, patios, or garden beds, and enjoy its fresh aroma while keeping pests away.

2. Lavender – A Fragrant Shield Against Pests

Lavender isn’t just soothing for people! It repels mosquitoes, flies, moths, and fleas. Grow it in garden borders, near windows, or dry its flowers for an indoor repellent. It’s a win-win for relaxation and pest control.

3. Peppermint – A Triple Threat

Peppermint’s refreshing scent is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. Its fast-growing nature makes it ideal for pots or garden beds. Crush the leaves to release more of its pest-fighting oils.

4. Marigolds – Nature’s Insect Repellent

Marigolds do more than brighten up a garden. Their scent deters mosquitoes and aphids. Plant them around vegetable gardens to protect crops from destructive insects.

5. Rosemary – Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes Beware

Rosemary isn’t just for seasoning, it’s also a powerful pest deterrent. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and even slugs dislike its strong aroma. Grow it in pots near outdoor seating areas for extra protection.

6. Citronella – The Ultimate Mosquito Repellent

Citronella is a well-known mosquito deterrent. Unlike synthetic citronella candles, the plant itself works best when grown in garden beds or pots. Place it near patios for maximum effect.

7. Lemongrass – Fresh, Fragrant, and Pest-Free

Lemongrass contains citronella oil, making it an effective mosquito repellent. It thrives in warm climates and adds a tropical feel to any homestead.

8. Sage – A Moth and Mosquito Fighter

Sage is great for repelling moths and mosquitoes. For extra protection, toss some dried sage leaves into a fire pit to create a natural bug-repelling smoke.

9. Eucalyptus – A Fresh Way to Keep Bugs Out

Eucalyptus repels mosquitoes and flies while adding a refreshing scent to the garden. Hang dried eucalyptus inside to keep insects away from your home.

10. Chrysanthemum – A Natural Insecticide

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, an ingredient used in many insecticides. They repel mosquitoes, ants, roaches, and even ticks. Plant them near entryways for the best effect.

Where to Plant for Maximum Protection

• Near doorways and windows: Basil, lavender, and rosemary help keep pests from entering your home.

• Around seating areas: Citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint work well near patios and outdoor spaces.

• In vegetable gardens: Marigolds, chrysanthemums, and rosemary protect crops from harmful insects.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Feeling Drained? 10 Practical Ways to Reclaim Your Energy 🔋

Homesteading and homemaking are fulfilling, but they’re also exhausting. Between tending the garden, feeding animals, cleaning, cooking, and managing a household, it’s easy to feel drained. Add in unexpected setbacks, and burnout can sneak up fast.

When exhaustion turns into overwhelm, it’s time to reset. Here’s how to step back, recharge, and find joy again.

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t just feel like being tired. It’s deeper than that.

• Tasks that once felt fulfilling now seem impossible.

• Small problems trigger big emotions.

• Getting through the day feels like wading through mud.

Ignoring these signs only makes things worse. The first step is admitting that exhaustion is taking over.

2. Stop Overcommitting

Homesteaders and homemakers wear many hats, but that doesn’t mean they have to do everything at once.

• Cut back on unnecessary projects. If the chicken coop doesn’t need painting this week, let it wait.

• Say no when needed. Not every community event or family gathering requires participation.

• Focus on what truly matters. A well-cared-for home is more important than a perfect one.

Prioritizing prevents exhaustion from taking over.

3. Take a Break Without Guilt

Rest is not laziness. It’s necessary for productivity and mental health.

• Step outside for a walk. Fresh air can clear the mind.

• Take a real break during meals. No multitasking—just eating.

• Set aside 15 minutes a day for something enjoyable, like reading, crafting, or gardening for pleasure, not just work.

Breaks help restore energy so tasks feel manageable again.

4. Simplify the Routine

Overcomplicated schedules lead to stress. Keeping things simple makes daily life easier.

• Meal plan to avoid last-minute cooking stress.

• Declutter workspaces to reduce frustration.

• Create a weekly task list so chores don’t pile up.

Efficiency frees up time for rest and enjoyment.

5. Ask for Help

Homesteading and homemaking don’t have to be solo jobs. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Get the family involved. Kids can help with small chores, and partners can share responsibilities.

• Swap tasks with friends. If a neighbor loves baking but dreads gardening, trade skills.

• Accept that perfection isn’t necessary. A little mess is okay if it means less stress.

Sharing the load prevents burnout from becoming a constant state.

6. Find Joy in Small Wins

Progress happens in small steps. Instead of focusing on what’s unfinished, celebrate what’s done.

• Enjoy the first ripe tomato of the season.

• Appreciate the fresh scent of laundry drying in the sun.

• Take pride in a decluttered corner of the house, even if the rest still needs work.

Focusing on small victories makes the journey more enjoyable.

7. Get Enough Sleep

It’s easy to sacrifice sleep to get more done, but exhaustion makes everything harder.

• Set a consistent bedtime and stick to it.

• Keep the bedroom free from distractions, like phones and clutter.

• Avoid caffeine too late in the day to help with deeper rest.

Well-rested minds handle stress better and make daily tasks easier.

8. Nourish the Body

Food is fuel, and poor nutrition makes burnout worse.

• Eat balanced meals with plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.

• Stay hydrated. Dehydration leads to fatigue.

• Cut back on processed foods, which can cause energy crashes.

A strong body leads to a stronger mind.

9. Adjust Expectations

Perfection is a myth. Chasing it only leads to exhaustion.

• Accept that some days will be messy, and that’s okay.

• Recognize that rest is just as important as productivity.

• Remind yourself that seasons change—hard times won’t last forever.

Letting go of unrealistic expectations allows for more peace.

10. Find a Support System

Homesteading and homemaking can feel isolating, but connection makes everything easier.

• Join a local homesteading group for encouragement and advice.

• Reach out to friends who understand the lifestyle.

• Connect online with like-minded homemakers and homesteaders.

Having people who “get it” makes the journey feel lighter.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the potatoes start partying in April?

Because they were finally ready to mash things up!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. Just gotta trust the gardening grind! 🌱

@erinlcgraham

And this is only the first trip of the season 🤑💸 #garden #gardening101 #gardentok #fyp #greenthumb #gardendiy #homedepot

2. Gotta keep your plants on their toes every now and then! 😂

@ashleaf_plantmama

A little plant humor to start your day! I think of this audio every time I bottom water 😆 Do you bottom water your plants? I love to when ... See more

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